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As a member of the St. Louis County Partnership for a Healthy Community, the BHC is pleased to participate in the creation and ongoing development of the St. Louis Worksite Wellness Resource Guide. Free to use, the online Resource Guide provides St. Louis businesses access to a directory of low-cost, community-based tools to improve the health and well-being of employees. Nearly 100 unique workplace wellness resources from 20+ local organizations have been compiled, including: Local Events, Tools and Programs, Evidence-Based Practices, Community Engagement Opportunities, Surveys and Research, and Scorecards and Awards.

Employee wellness champions can contribute significantly to the success of workplace well-being programs by encouraging coworker participation in events and assisting with the communication and implementation of activities. But to many employees, this role may represent an unfamiliar territory. To help prepare employees, the BHC has developed a training program that provides a “crash course” in workplace well-being and useful tips for success.

To assist St. Louis organizations in their efforts to educate employees on health-related topics, BHC staff members are available to attend health and benefit fairs at member locations and off-site facilities. In addition to offering disease and wellness information, the BHC provides publications and creative activities to help employees become more informed health care consumers. By giving employees resources for enhanced engagement in the health care system, the BHC works to further its mission to achieve transparency and improve health.

To help inform employees about good prevention practices and appropriate treatment options, the BHC has expanded resources available through the Antibiotic Resistance Can Harm (ARCH) Program to include an onsite educational session. During this 60-minute presentation, employees will learn about the differences between bacteria and viruses, how to prevent the evolution and spread of super bugs, and important tips for symptom treatment, medication adherence, and doctor conversations. A professor from St. Louis College of Pharmacy will accompany BHC staff to answer specific questions regarding these topics.

Nearly 338,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year; however, 70% of Americans feel unprepared to act during cardiac emergencies. To help ensure that employees are equipped to handle office and home events, the BHC offers CPR certification and skills training through the American Heart Association at discounted pricing for employees of member companies.

The Environmental Assessment Tool (EAT) is an evidence-based evaluation tool developed by the Partnership for Prevention, National Business Group on Health, and Dow Chemical to provide employers a clear assessment and recommended actions for worksite health promotion. The tool provides insight into the structural and social elements of the workplace environment, especially those components related to physical activity, nutrition, and leadership engagement. In addition to supporting employers in conducting an assessment, the BHC provides members with simple, inexpensive solutions to address the health-related environmental concerns highlighted.

Right Direction is an educational initiative created to raise awareness about depression in the workplace, promote early recognition of symptoms, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Coordinated by the Partnership for Workplace Mental Health and the Employers Health Coalition, Inc., the program website provides employers with free mental health resources, screening tools, and communication materials to initiate a campaign within their company.

Healthy Hearts @ Work (HH@W) is a free health education resource for BHC members aimed at increasing employee awareness about high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Funded by the Missouri Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program, HH@W includes five customizable program options that provide employers with simple, time efficient activities to improve employee health.

Mental Health First Aid is a certification program that teaches community members, workplace managers, and first responders how to recognize the symptoms of mental health problems and provide appropriate support to those suffering. Coordinated through the National Council for Behavioral Health and the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the 8-hour MHFA course equips managers with the skills to combat stigma surrounding mental illness and assist employees in obtaining resources for treatment and coping. The BHC is pleased to partner with the Missouri Department of Mental Health in bringing this opportunity to members at no cost.

The Work@Health™ training program was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance employer knowledge of strategies for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of workplace health interventions. The science-based curriculum includes 8 core modules that provide health promotion coordinators, human resource professionals, or managers with skills and tools to implement a comprehensive worksite wellness program. These small group trainings can be arranged at the BHC office or onsite at member company locations.